Garment medical examination system

ABSTRACT

A glove comprising a set of electrocardiogram leads, the set of electrocardiogram leads including: (a) a plurality of precordial electrocardiogram leads; (b) a pair of aVL and aVR electrocardiogram leads; and (c) an aVF electrocardiogram lead; wherein the glove records a 12-lead electrocardiogram by pressing the glove against skin of a user.

FIELD

The present teachings generally relate to devices and systems forperforming physical medical examinations, and more particularly, towearable garments and an associated system that measures and monitorsvital signs to treat various health conditions.

BACKGROUND

An increased cost of healthcare coupled with increases in population andpatient age have led to significant developments in remote medicaltreatment devices. These remote medical devices help facilitate medicaltreatment of patients who can or do not physically travel to a medicaloffice or hospital. As a result, more patients, such as thoseincapacitated or house-ridden, are able to receive more thorough medicalcare, resulting in various health conditions being detected and treatedat an earlier stage—prior to the health condition reaching a point wherehospitalization is necessary.

These remote medical treatment devices may often involve a transmissionof medical records (i.e., past medical history, allergies, medications)along with patient medical data from a patient location to a centralmedical facility. The central medical facility may then evaluate therecords and data to determine if any health condition is present in thepatient that requires treatment. After evaluation, the central medicalfacility may communicate with the patient any treatment plan or furthersteps needed.

However, remote medical treatment devices are often inaccurate orover-simplified for patient use. As a result, the medical datatransmitted to the central medical facility may be significantly limitedor incorrect, resulting in frequent misdiagnosing of health conditionsor inadvertently overlooking a health concern of a patient. Furthermore,because the remote medical treatment devices may be rather limited infunctionality, medical professionals may be hesitant to offer remotecommunication or still require a patient to physically visit a medicaloffice, even after remote data collection.

There remains a need for a medical device system that accurately recordsand transmits medical data from a patient to an external location. Whatis needed is a medical device system that includes one or more wearablegarments having a plurality of sensors that accurately receive data froma patient and transmit that data to an external location. Additionally,there remains a need for a medical device system easy and simple enoughfor a patient to operate independently of a medical professional. Whatis needed is a medical device system that includes one or more wearablegarments that track patient data in a streamlined fashion. Moreover,there remains a need for a medical device system that robustly collectsa plurality of vitals from a patient to accurately evaluate the data forany potential health concerns. Thus, what is needed is a medical devicesystem having a plurality of interconnected sensors and devices thatdetect and record extensive vitals of a patient. Additionally, thereremains a need for a medical device system that remotely and accuratelyrecords heart and lung auscultation of a patient.

SUMMARY

The present teachings meet one or more of the present needs by providinga glove comprising a set of electrocardiogram leads, the set ofelectrocardiogram leads including: (a) a plurality of precordialelectrocardiogram leads (e.g., V1-V6); (b) a pair of aVL and aVRelectrocardiogram leads; and (c) an aVF electrocardiogram lead; whereinthe glove records a 12-lead electrocardiogram by pressing the gloveagainst skin of a user.

The present teachings may also meet one or more of the present needs byproviding a glove, wherein: the plurality of precordialelectrocardiogram leads are positioned along a peripheral edge of theglove; the pair of aVL and aVR electrocardiogram leads are positioned onfingertips of a thumb and an index finger of the glove; the aVFelectrocardiogram lead is positioned on a fingertip of a ring finger ofthe glove; the glove records the 12-lead electrocardiogram by recordingdata from the set of electrocardiogram leads in 3 or 4 distinctpositions of the glove in contact with the skin of the user; theplurality of precordial electrocardiogram leads record data in a firstposition of the glove, whereby the glove is disposed substantiallyhorizontally along the chest of the user with the plurality ofprecordial electrocardiogram leads in contact with the chest of theuser; the pair of aVL and aVR electrocardiogram leads record data in asecond position of the glove, whereby the glove is disposedsubstantially vertically along the chest of the user with the fingertipsof the thumb and the index finger spaced apart and in contact with thechest of the user; the thumb and the index finger of the glove form anangle of at least 100 degrees when in the second position; the aVFelectrocardiogram lead records data in a third position of the glove,whereby the glove is disposed substantially vertically along the abdomenof the user with the fingertip of the ring finger in contact with theabdomen of the user; or a combination thereof.

Furthermore, the present teachings meet one or more of the present needsby providing a glove that includes a blood pressure cuff, a pulseoximeter integrally formed, or connected to, a middle finger of theglove, a digital microphone positioned centrally along the glove, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the 12-lead electrocardiogramrecorded by the glove may be wirelessly transmitted from the glove to anexternal computing device, wherein data recorded by the glove isprocessed through a filtration step, an amplification step, or bothbefore being displayed on the external computing device for evaluation.The data recorded by the glove and transmitted to the external computingdevice may be displayed in a report. Moreover, the glove may be worn bythe user to record their own 12-lead electrocardiogram.

The present teachings may also meet one or more of the present needs byproviding a medical device system, including: (a) a glove; (b) awearable garment having a plurality of microphones; (c) a club includingone or more tapping mechanisms that create a percussion through apatient's body; and (d) a chair having one or more sensors; wherein datais recorded by the glove, the garment, the chair, or a combinationthereof and wirelessly transmitted to a computing device for offsiteevaluation. The plurality of microphones of the garment may recordsounds to compile a sound pulmogram, a sound cardiogram, or both. Theplurality of microphones may be site specific such that each soundrecord is associated with a specific microphone location. Moreover, thechair may include one or more pressure sensors, one or more aircompartments, one or more microphones, or a combination thereof.

Moreover, the present teachings meet one or more of the present needs byproviding: a medical device system that accurately records and transmitsmedical data from a patient to an external location; a medical devicesystem that includes one or more wearable garments having a plurality ofsensors that accurately receive data from a patient and transmit thatdata to an external location; a medical device system easy and simpleenough for a patient to operate independently of a medical professional;a medical device system that includes one or more wearable garments thattrack patient data in a streamlined fashion; for a medical device systemthat tracks robustly collects a plurality of vitals from a patient toaccurately evaluate the data for any potential health concerns; amedical device system having a plurality of interconnected sensors anddevices that detect and record extensive vitals of a patient; a medicaldevice system that remotely and accurately records heart and lungauscultation of a patient; or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical device system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective of a garment having a plurality of microphones.

FIG. 3 is a process flowchart illustrating the processing of recordeddata from a garment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a glove of a medical device system.

FIG. 5A is a first position of a glove on a user to record precordialelectrocardiogram leads of a 12-lead electrocardiogram recording.

FIG. 5B is a second position of a glove on a user to record aVL and AVRelectrocardiogram leads of the 12-lead electrocardiogram recording ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a third position of a glove on a user to record aVL and AVRelectrocardiogram leads of the 12-lead electrocardiogram recording ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a fourth position of a glove on a user to record an aVFelectrocardiogram lead of the 12-lead electrocardiogram recording ofFIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a club in accordance with the presentteachings.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a chair of the medical device system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the descriptionherein, but should instead be determined with reference to the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, includingpatent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference forall purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleanedfrom the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated byreference into this written description.

The present teachings generally relate to a medical device system. Themedical device system may function to identify, measure, or both anextensive range of vital and physical examination signs of a patient forremote medical care. It is envisioned that the medical device systemdescribed herein provides medical professionals and patients alike theability to record data based upon a specific patient in order toproperly evaluate a variety of health conditions without requiring apatient to be physically present in a medical facility. For example, themedical device system may be utilized for patients that areincapacitated or otherwise unable to travel to a medical facility, suchas a hospital or a physician's office, to evaluate potential healthrisks while the patient remains a home—all without jeopardizing thelevel of healthcare expected when a patient enters an actual medicalfacility. Additionally, it is envisioned that the medical device systemmay facilitate healthcare of patients remotely without exposing thosepatients to potential health risks in a medical facility, such as thosepresent during a pandemic.

The medical device system may include a number of devices interconnectedto form the system. The medical device system may include one or morewearable components, one or more accessories, one or more electronicdevices, or a combination thereof. Advantageously, all or only a portionof the devices within the medical device system may be utilized for aspecific application. For example, all devices may be utilized tocompile data based on a patient more at risk of health complicationswhile minor evaluations may only utilize a single device within themedical device system. Thus, it may be gleaned from the presentteachings that the medical device system is highly customizable andportable for a number of different remote applications.

The medical device system may include a garment. The garment mayfunction to provide at least a partial medical evaluation of a patientby recording, tracking, or otherwise collecting key medical data. Thegarment may then transfer such data offsite from a patient's location(e.g., the patient's home) to an offsite physician, to a computer-basedmedical system, or the like. The garment described herein may beutilized by any patient desiring examination and treatment for mostmedical conditions while remaining in the comfort of their own home. Thepatient self-testing using the garment may conduct as thorough, or evenmore thorough, an analysis than an in-office doctor visit. The resultsof the self-exam may be easily transmitted to the home medical softwareor a medical professional where it can be determined if further testsare required, a prescription is required, a specialist is required, ifimmediate medical attention is necessary, or a combination thereof. Thegarment may be similar to those described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/265,339, all of which is incorporated herein for allpurposes.

The garment may be shaped as a jacket, a vest, a wrap, a poncho, or thelike. The garment may include a plurality of electrocardiogram leads, aplurality of auscultation acoustic sensor devices located in one or moreof an anterior chest wall, posterior chest wall, anterior abdominalsection, posterior abdominal section, or any combination thereof toprovide optimal heart and lungs auscultation, a flexible respiratorysensor, one or more cuff portions (e.g., blood pressure cuff portions)located on an at least one arm portion of the garment, and a hardwaredevice for sending and receiving signals via wired or wirelesscommunication. The garment may include a section that contacts apatient's abdomen. The garment may include a section that contacts apatient's lower back. The garment may include a plurality of devicesthat are removably connected to or work in tandem with the garment.These devices may include but are not limited to: a pulse oximeter,otoscope, oralscope, ophthalmoscope, PanScope, and oral temperaturedevice.

The garment may include a plurality of auscultation acoustic sensordevices or other microphones anywhere along the garment. The microphonesmay collect data from a patient by recording sound coming from one ormore internal organs of the patient. The microphones may bestrategically arranged in a manner which forms a blanket that hugs thepatient thorax providing optimal heart and lungs auscultation. Theauscultation acoustic sensor devices (e.g. microphones; stethoscopes)may be utilized to record one or more of a patient's lung soundsincluding but not limited to clear breathing sounds, reduced breathingsounds, diffuse wheezing, basilar crackles, and scattered rhonchi, orabsence of breathing sounds. The auscultation acoustic sensor devices(e.g. microphones, stethoscopes, or the like) may be utilized to recordone or more of a patient's heart and lung sounds including but notlimited to: normal heart sounds; S1 heart sound; S2 heart sound;murmurs; aortic stenosis; mitral regurgitation; pulmonic stenosis;aortic insufficiency, any other heart valve and/or heart muscle disease,any other lung disease, or a combination thereof. The auscultationacoustic sensor devices may provide a description of the location,strength, type, and quality of the recorded sound. The auscultationacoustic sensor devices may be individually numbered in the garment toaid in determining the location of the lung and heart sounds. Thus, theacoustic sensors or microphones may be site specific such that eachrecorded sound may be pinpointed back to a specific microphone along thegarment.

The microphones may be positioned anywhere along the garment. Themicrophones may be located on a front portion of the garment thatcontacts a chest of the patient. The microphones may also be located onone or more sides of the garment located along a ribcage of the patient.Additionally, the microphones may be positioned along a back side of thegarment adjacent to the patient's back. Thus, it is envisioned that themicrophones may be highly customizable and tunable based on the desiredrecordings needed. Additionally, the microphones may be removable foreasy replacement if damaged, further modification, or both.

The microphones may include a rubber ear. The rubber ear may encompassall or a portion of the microphones. The rubber ear may function tofunnel sound more accurately from a patient into the microphone foraccurate recordings. The rubber ears may contact a patient's body andprotect the microphone from direct contact with a patient. Thus, therubber ears may ensure a longer life for each microphone without needingfrequent replacement. Additionally, the rubber ears may be flexible orrigid. However, it is envisioned that the rubbers ears may be flexibleto at least partially form a patient's body contour, thereby creating abetter funnel and seal for directing a sound from the patient's organsinto the microphone.

It is contemplated that the garment and microphones may be highportable. As such, the garment may be free of any external wires and maynot require and power source to conduct testing on a patient. Therefore,the garment may include one or more power sources, such as a battery orother power source to power the microphones along the garment. Thebattery may be any battery, such as a lithium ion battery, that may besecured along or within the garment. For example, the battery may bestitched into one or more layers of the garment in a manner that doesnot obstruct the accurate recordings of the microphones. The battery maybe rechargeable, replaceable, or both without damaging the garment. Thebattery may include a port to connect a cord purely for rechargingpurposes. Therefore, the garment may advantageously be used a number oftimes for remote patients regardless of where the patient is located.

By providing a substantially self-sufficient medical testing garment,the garment may record a desired number of data points for furtherevaluation and analysis. The data points may be collected from theplurality of microphones and then compiled to create a final report. Thedata compiled may be transmitted (via one or more transmitters of thegarment) to a computing device. The computing device may perform one ormore processes and/or manipulations on the data received from thegarment before outputting a report or final analysis. For example, thedata may be initially filtered to remove any unwanted “white noise”present when collecting the data. Additionally, the data may also beamplified to a desired sound level before compiling and interpreting thedata.

As one non-limiting example, data from a plurality of microphones mayundergo filtering, buffering, and/or amplifying of the soundwaves toproduce a signal. The signal may then be converted from analog format todigital format. The signal may then be filtered. The signal may then benormalized. At that point, the normalized signal may be analyzed andtransmitted. It should be noted that any one or more of the aboveprocesses may be completed in the garment itself, in the externalcomputing device or both. Once the normalized signal is established, thedata may be fully analyzed and/or output in a final report, therebyproviding a medical professional succinct data to evaluate a patient'scurrent condition.

The garment may be adapted for transmitting data (e.g., through a wiredor wireless connection). The data may be collected and may optionally bestored on a hardware device associated with the garment which may be acomputing device, or which may transfer data to a computing device. Anyof the detection devices described herein (the stethoscope, themicrophone, the electrocardiogram leads, the probe, the pulse oximeter,otoscope, oralscope, ophthalmoscope, PanScope, oral temperature device)may facilitate collection of data and may be adapted to transmit thedata to a hardware associated with the garment. Alternatively, any ofthe detection devices described herein may be adapted to transmit datadirectly to a computing device.

The devices associated with the garment may be embedded in the garmentor removably attached to the garment. The devices may be located intopockets formed on the garment. The devices may be fastened to thegarment by one or more of a strap, a hook, a snap, a flexible band, orany mechanical fastening device.

The medical device system may also include a glove. The glove mayfunction to provide at least a partial medical evaluation of a patientby recording, tracking, or otherwise collecting key medical data. Theglove may then transfer such data offsite from a patient's location(e.g., the patient's home) to an offsite physician or the like. Theglove may be utilized by any patient desiring examination and treatmentfor a number of medical conditions while remaining in their own home.For example, the glove may be used during a pandemic where travelling toa medical facility poses a health threat to the patient. The glove maybe delivered to the patient first to conduct an initial examination andgather vitals or other critical data from the patient. Based upon thedata collected from the glove, the medical professional may thendetermine if further evaluation is needed using or if the patient is notat risk and requires no further examination.

The glove may include a plurality of electrocardiogram (EKG) leads.Advantageously, the glove my conduct a 12-lead EKG by positioning theglove directly on the patient in one or more positions to collect enoughdata from the leads to create a full 12-lead EKG report for a medicalprofessional. It should also be noted that while a 12-lead EKG isdiscussed herein in further detail, any number of EKG leads may beincorporated. For example, the glove may include more than 12 EKG leadsor less than 12 EKG leads. Additionally, each EKG lead may be positionedand recorded a single time during an EKG test, or one or more of the EKGleads may be positioned and recorded multiple times. As a result, theglove may provide significant flexibility in developing a robust andaccurate EKG of a patient by recording any number of leads.

The electrocardiogram leads may be integrated into the glove or may belocated onto a separate substrate that is secured to the glove when wornby a patient. For most accurate results, the electrocardiogram leads maymake direct contact with the patient's skin free of any conventionaladhesives, thereby allowing the electrocardiogram leads to be used fornumerous tests. The electrocardiogram leads may be positioned anywherealong the glove. For example, the electrocardiogram leads may bepositioned in different configurations based on the size, height,weight, etc. of a patient conducting the self-exam. While either aleft-handed glove or a right-handed glove may be utilized based on theteachings herein, it is envisioned that a right-handed glove may providea patient the greatest flexibility to accurately contact their chest andconduct a proper EKG. Specifically, because the heart is located on theleft side of the chest cavity, a right-handed glove will allow a patientto conduct a proper EKG more easily with a larger range or motion.

The electrocardiogram leads may be positioned along a peripheral edge ofthe gloves, one or more fingertips of the glove, a central portion ofthe glove, or a combination thereof. The electrocardiogram leads may belocated on the backside of the glove, the inside palm portion of theglove, or both. The electrocardiogram leads may include precordialelectrocardiogram leads, an aVF electrocardiogram lead, one or more aVLand/or aVR electrocardiogram leads, or a combination thereof. Thus, theglove may be positioned along the user's chest, sternum, or both togather data for each required electrocardiogram lead, thereby allowing acomputing device to calculate and compile an overall EKG. It should benoted that the glove may include a battery or power source to facilitaterecording and transmitting the data from the electrocardiogram leads orother devices.

Advantageously, unlike a conventional EKG requiring adhesively attachedleads secured to a patient's skin, the electrocardiogram leads of theglove may require no adhesive and may be moved along a patient's skinwith ease. Furthermore, the electrocardiogram leads may wirelesslytransmit data to a computing device, thereby improving thetransportability of the glove when compared to a conventional EKGdevice. As a result of the wireless transmittal, the glove may bepositioned anywhere along a patient's body that is reachable by thepatient themselves. The glove may be positioned horizontally along thechest and/or sternum of the patient, vertically along the chest and/orsternum of the patient, or anywhere in between. Additionally, spacingmay be established by the patient wearing the glove such that theelectrocardiogram leads are spaced apart a sufficient distance foraccurate data measurements. For example, the electrocardiogram leads maybe located on various fingertips so that fingers may be spaced apart andpressed against the patient's skin for measurement. The distance betweenthe electrocardiogram leads may depend on the patient, but the angleformed between the electrocardiogram leads on fingers of the gloves maybe about 45 degrees or more, about 90 degrees or more, or about 135degrees or more. The distance may be about 180 degrees or less, about160 degrees or less, or about 140 degrees or less. As discussed above,the positioning of the electrocardiogram leads may be adjusted to mostaccurately record all electrocardiogram leads and accurately record aproper EKG. Thus, the electrocardiogram leads may be positioned and/orrepositioned one or more times to accurately record theelectrocardiogram lead readings. For example, the aVL and AVRelectrocardiogram leads may be recorded substantially simultaneously bypositioning both leads on the patient, or alternatively, the aVL and AVRmay be recorded separately by positioning each lead individually. Assuch, it may be gleaned that the glove allows for great customizationand flexibility when recording data from electrocardiogram leads.

The glove may also include one or more additional devices. For example,the glove may include a blood pressure cuff to measure blood pressure, apulse oximeter to measure blood oxygen saturation, a microphone similarto those of the garment, or a combination thereof. The microphone may bepositioned along the patient to record sounds from one or morepositions, thereby allowing patients to conduct full cardiopulmonaryauscultation in the same manner a physician would conduct heart and lungauscultation. For example, the microphone of the glove may be positionedalong an upper portion of the chest over the heart, a lower portion ofthe chest over the heart, along a patient over one or more both lungs,or a combination thereof. Similarly, the microphone (e.g., a digitalstethoscope) may be positioned on chest and back concurrently to imitatesimilar recording provided when a patient were to use a vest asdescribed herein.

The glove may also include one or more position location sensors. Theposition location sensors may determine a position of the glove along apatient's body. As a result, data can be accurately recorded andcorrelated to a specific location without manually dictating a properlocation. Additionally, it is envisioned that the position locationsensors may be used to establish initial testing parameters for theglove. For example, the position location sensors may be moved around aperimeter of a testing area to provide a baseline of where the glove isin relationship to one or more organs of the patient (e.g., the heart,the lungs, etc.). By establishing a baseline, all subsequent testingconducted using the stethoscope, one or more EKG leads, or a combinationthereof may be accurately correlated to a specific location within theboundaries of the perimeter initially established. Additionally, it maythen be possible to determine any “outlies” during testing for anyrecorded locations that do not fall within the specific boundaries.

Thus, based on the above, the electrocardiogram leads may collect datain conjunction with the one or more additional devices (e.g., themicrophone) to complete a full EKG workup on a patient. It should benoted that the data collected from the glove may be transmitted in asimilar manner as the data collected from the garment. For example, thedata may be transmitted and thereafter augmented, organized, ormanipulated (i.e., filtered, amplified, or both) before outputting anorganized data report for a medical professional to evaluate.

The medical device system may include a club designed primarily forabdomen examination. The club may function to provide at least a partialmedical evaluation of a patient by recording, tracking, or otherwisecollecting key medical data. The club may then transfer such dataoffsite from a patient's location (e.g., the patient's home) to anoffsite physician or the like. The club described herein may be utilizedby any patient desiring examination and treatment for most medicalconditions while remaining in the comfort of their own home.

The club may be used to provide separate and independent testing of apatient by conducting an abdomen exam on the patient. The club may beused in addition to the garment, the glove, the chair, or a combinationthereof to conduct such abdomen exams. For example, the club may includea microphone (e.g., a digital stethoscope) to record sounds within aspecific location on the patient's body. Additionally, the club mayinclude a position location sensor to determine a specific locationwhere data is being recorded.

It is envisioned that the club may be used to determine specificlocations of pain along a patient's body. To do so, the club may includea mechanism that applies pressure or otherwise contacts the patient.When a patient feels discomfort in a specific location, the club maythen record a location for further evaluation by a medical professional.To further determine the severity of any discomfort, the club may alsoinclude one or more pressure sensors to more accurately record how muchpressure is applied to an area of discomfort, thereby even furtherallowing accurate analysis of a patient's health concerns.

In addition to locations of pain, the club may also search fortenderness along a patient's body, such as in their head, chest, back,limbs, abdomen, or a combination thereof. To determine such tenderness,the club may include a mechanism that contacts the patient's skin anddelivers a percussion into the patient's body. That percussion may thenbe evaluated and interpreted for tympanicity or dullness. Additionally,the club may check for rebound tenderness by exhibiting a sudden releaseof a contact point using a quick-release mechanism.

To allow for such percussion, the club may include a structure that“taps” the patient's skin and creates that percussion. The structure mayinclude a rotary mechanism, spring, actuator, motor, gears, or acombination thereof that actuates one or more tapping mechanisms. Thestructure may be manually or electrically operation. The mechanism maybe battery operated. The structure may be any mechanism that allows fora “tapping” motion to be delivered to a patient.

The contact by the structure may be done by one or more small arms thatact as a tapping mechanism. The tapping mechanisms may extend from therotary mechanism, actuator, motor, gears, or the like and may beactuated by the rotary mechanism, actuator, motor, gears, or the like.The tapping mechanisms may extend in any desired direction. In additionto the tapping mechanisms, the club may include one or more devices,such as a microphone, sensor, or both. Thus, it is envisioned that theclub may receive the reflected sound waves created by tapping afterstriking the abdomen internal organs or masses, thus creating anultrasound-like picture and/or sound that can detect organomegaly, thepresence of mases, or both. As a result, the tapping mechanisms maycreate the percussion and a patient may provide an input on the triggeror other input device to indicate pain in a given position.

The medical device system may also include a chair. The chair mayfunction to provide at least a partial medical evaluation of a patientby recording, tracking, or otherwise collecting key medical data. Thechair may then transfer such data offsite from a patient's location(e.g., the patient's home) to an offsite physician or the like. Thechair described herein may be utilized by any patient desiringexamination and treatment for most medical conditions while remaining inthe comfort of their own home.

The chair may be used in conjunction with, or in lieu of, the glove, thegarment, or both to perform a self-evaluation on a patient. Thus, thechair may include one or more devices similar to the glove, the garment,or both. For example, the chair may include one or more microphonessimilar to those of the garment and the glove. However, the chair mayalso include one or more additional devices different than the glove andthe garment. It should be noted that the devices of the chair may bepowered by a power source within the chair, such as a battery.

The chair may include one or more straps. The straps may function to atleast partially encompass a patient seated in the chair. The straps maybe secured around at least a portion of the patient, such as theirchest, torso, abdomen, or a combination thereof. The straps may beoutfitted with electrocardiogram leads, microphones, other devices, or acombination thereof. Each strap may include a variety of devices or maybe designed for one particular type of testing. For example, a first setof straps may include electrocardiogram leads to conduct a proper EKG ofa patient while a second set of straps may include one or moremicrophones to detect and/or record sounds from within the patient. Itshould be noted that the straps may be used simultaneously or may beused sequentially.

The straps may be any flexible material that may follow a contour or apatient's body. The straps may be a fabric, plastic, or both. The strapsmay include one or more fasteners, clips, buckles, or a combinationthereof to secure the straps to each other, to the chair, or both. Thestraps may be located anywhere along the chair to properly contact apatient in a desired location. The straps may also include armholes tofurther facilitate close contact with the body of a patient, therebyallow the patient to at least partially “wear” the straps duringtesting, as further described herein.

The chair may also include one or more additional devices. Theadditional devices may include one or more pressure sensors. Thepressure sensors may detect the presence of a patient sitting in thechair. The pressure sensors may detect a weight or locally applied forceby a patient. The pressure sensors may provide an initial signal tobegin testing. For example, the pressure sensors may be located alongthe chair to ensure a proper posture of the patient prior to conductinga self-examination. Thus, the pressure sensors may be located on a seatof the chair, a back of the chair, or both.

The chair may include one or more microphones embedded directly within aback of the chair, a wearable garment connected to the chair, or both.The microphones may be the same or different to those within the glove,the garment, or both. The microphones may be location specific todetermine where specific recording occur. The microphones may beflexible, such as by utilizing a rubber ear, to follow a contour of apatient's body.

The chair may also include one or more air compartments. The aircompartments may fill with air to identify locations of pain and/ordiscomfort of a patient sitting in the chair. The air compartments maybe any desired size and/or shape. The air compartments may be positionedanywhere along the chair to strategically contact desired portions ofthe patient's body. The air compartments may be controlled by thepatient in the chair or may be remotely controlled via the computingdevice or other external remote by a medical professional.

The computing devices and/or the data gathered by the one or moredevices with the medical device system may be accessible by one or moreof a physician office (e.g., a physician, a physician's assistant, anurse practitioner, a nurse, a medical resident, a medical assistant, amedical billing associate, or other medical office staff), a pharmacy, acaretaker, a family member, an emergency medical treatment professional,an insurance company, or any individual who may take an action basedupon the data. The office and/or individual receiving the data is thenable to make medical diagnosis decisions based upon the data. It ispossible that the computing device may also replace the human doctor asit may be programmed so that it can establish a diagnosis, recommendtesting, and/or prescribe medications.

The computing device may receive data from the medical device system(i.e., the chair, the glove, the garment, or a combination thereof),transmit data to the medical device system, or both. Thus, the computingdevice may have a receiver, a transmitter, or both in communication withthe rest of the medical device system to create two-way communication,three-way communication, or even four-way communication. The computingdevice may be located anywhere in wireless connection with the medicaldevice system. Thus, the computing device may communicate with thedevices of the medical device system via wireless connection such asBluetooth. However, the computing device may also communicate using theinternet (e.g., wi-fi) or a corded connection. It should be noted thatthe computing device may be any electronic device, such as a table,mobile phone, computer, etc.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of amedical device system 10. The medical device system 10 includes agarment 12, a glove 14, a chair 40, or a combination thereof incommunication with a computing device 50. The garment 12 includes aplurality of microphones 16 that are configured to detect and recordsound from a user's heart, lungs, or both. It is envisioned that theuser wears the garment similar to a conventional jacket such that theplurality of microphones 16 are located along a user's body adjacent tothe user's heart, lungs, or both to record sounds emanating from theheart, lungs, or both. As a result, the plurality of microphones 16 maycreate a sound pulmogram, a sound cardiogram, or both that iscommunicated from the garment 12 to the computing device 50.

The medical device system 10 may also include a wearable glove 14 torecord one or more vitals of a user. For example, as illustrated in FIG.1 , the glove 14 may include a pulse oximeter 22 that records a user'soxygen saturation. The oxygen saturation levels may then be communicatedfrom the glove 14 to the computing device 50. Additionally, as furtherdescribed below, the glove 14 may include a microphone 16, such as adigital stethoscope, and one or more electrocardiogram leads 24 tocomplete a full EKG, complete accurate auscultation of the hearts and/orlungs, or both by moving the glove 14 to one or more desired positionsanywhere along the patient. For example, the glove 14 may record heartand lung sounds via the microphone 16 in one or more predeterminedlocations. The predetermined locations may be determined by anassociated medical software system instructing examination using theglove 14. Similarly, the glove 14 may also include a position locationsensor (see FIG. 4 ) that may track a position of the glove 14 while themicrophone 16 of the glove 14 creates a comprehensive sound map when thepatient moves the glove 14 along their chest to one or more locations.

Furthermore, the vitals data recorded, such as the oxygen saturationlevel of a user or auscultation results, may then be transmitteddirectly to the computing device 50 or may pass through one or moremanipulation steps to organize or modify the data prior to transmittingthe data to the computing device 50. As a result, the data may beinterpretated by a medical professional after being received by thecomputing device 50.

Additionally, the medical device system 10 may include an interactivechair 40. A user may be seated in the chair 40 in an upright position sothat the chair 40 may collect a variety of vitals or other data from auser and transmit such data to the computing device 50 via a transmitter30 located along the chair 40 to help diagnose potential healthconditions. To collect the user data and help diagnose healthconditions, the chair 40 may include one or more microphones to recordsound from the user's body, one or more air compartments 36 to determinepotential pain locations along a user's body, or both. Additionally, thechair 40 may include one or more pressure sensors to determine a user'sweight, to determine when a user is present in the chair 40, or both.

For example, a user may sit in the chair 40 so that the pressure sensorssense a presence of the user. The pressure sensors may be in differentlocations along the chair 40 to ensure a desired posture of the user.One configuration may include a first pressure sensor located on a seatof the chair 40 and a second pressure sensor located on a back of thechair 40. Accordingly, the chair 40 may detect that a user is properlyseated in the chair 40 with their back against the back of the chair 40.However, it should be noted that the pressure sensors located along thechair 40 may be positioned in any desired location to sense apositioning and/or posture of a user. Additionally, the chair 40 may beconfigured remotely from the computing device 50 (or any other externaldevice) by receiving a command and/or signal via a receiver 28 of thechair 40. Further details and configurations of the chair 40 arediscussed below to describe the chair 40 shown in FIG. 7 .

It is envisioned that that garment 12, the glove 14, and the chair 40may each be utilized individually as a sole device for a patient tomeasure and record vitals or other data based upon the patient's body.The recorded data may then be processed or otherwise manipulated toevaluate the health of the patient. As such, it should be noted that thegarment 12, the glove 14, or both may also include one or moretransmitters 30, one or more receivers 28, or both to communicate withthe computing device 50 so that the recorded data from the garment 12,the glove 14, or both is transmitted to the computing device 50 forfurther analysis. Beneficially, the computing device 50 may be locatednear the devices 12, 14, and 40, or may be located at an offsitelocation such that a patient may conduct their testing using the medicaldevice system 10 free of physical interaction with a medicalprofessional. Additionally, the medical device system 10 may allow for apatient who may otherwise be unable to easily reach a medical facilitygain proper medical care. For example, during a pandemic, a patient mayeasily gain medical care via the medical device system 10 without a needto enter a medical facility and risk exposure to a health threat.

The computing device 50 may also include a transmitter, a receiver, orboth that communicate with the garment 12, the glove 14, the chair 40,or a combination thereof. Thus, the computing device 50 may wirelessly,or via one or more cables, transmit data to and from the garment 12, theglove 14, the chair 40, or a combination thereof. As a result, a medicalprofessional may receive the data from the devices 12, 14, and 40 on thecomputing device 50 to help diagnose a potential medical condition ofthe patient. Additionally, due to two-way communication between thecomputing device 50 and the other devices 12, 14, and 40, the computingdevice 50 may also send various data and/or commands to the devices 12,14, and 40. For example, the computing device 50 may send a signal toinitiate operation of the devices 12, 14, and 40, change settings orconfigurations of the devices 12, 14, and 40, or both.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a garment 12 in accordance withthe present teachings. The garment 12 may include a plurality ofmicrophones 16 distributed along one or more sides of the garment 12.For example, as illustrated, the microphones 16 may be located on afront of the garment 12A, one or more sides of the garment 12C, a backof the garment 12B, or a combination thereof. It is envisioned that themicrophones 16 may be site specific such that, when the garment 12 isworn by a patient, the microphones 16 align with one or more organs ofthe patient. For example, at least a portion of the microphones 16 mayalign with the lungs of the patient, the heart of the patient, or bothto detect and/or record a sound emitted from the lungs, the heart, orboth to analyze the auscultation thereof. Due to a plurality ofmicrophones 16 being utilized to track the sound of the organs, thegarment 12 may advantageously compile a plurality of sounds from variouspositions to create a sound pulmogram, a sound cardiogram, or both. Themicrophones 16 may be positioned to at least partially surround the oneor more of the organs (such as the lungs and/or heart) such thatconverging data taken from the microphones 16 creates an accurate soundpulmogram, a sound cardiogram, or both.

Furthermore, the garment 12 may include one or more electrocardiogramleads 24 to complete a full EKG of a patient. It is envisioned that theelectrocardiogram leads 24 may complete a full 12-lead EKG. However, thegarment 12 may beneficially allow for additional electrocardiogram leads24 to receive further data points. For example, the electrocardiogramleads 24 may be located on both a front side of the garment 12 alignedwith the chest of a patient and the back side of the garment 12 alignedwith the back of a patient. Thus, the electrocardiogram leads 24 mayreceive surface electrical signals from both sides of the heart. Itshould also be noted that one or more microphones 16 may be located onthe back side of the garment 12 as well as the front side.

Each microphone 16 may be surrounded by a rubber ear 34 to more accuratefunnel sound from the patient into the microphone 16. Additionally, thegarment 12 may beneficially include a battery 32 or other power sourcelocated within the garment 12 to power the microphones 16 or one or moreadditional items, such as a pulse oximeter 22 connected to a sleeve ofthe garment 12, a blood pressure cuff 26 integrated into a sleeve of thegarment 12, or both. Thus, the garment 12 may be used by a patientwithout being constrained by one or more power cords or other tethers,thereby making the garment 12 significantly transportable. Furthermore,the garment 12 may beneficially communicate with a computing device 50via a transmitter 30, a receiver 28, or both to send and/or receive datafrom the computing device 50, thereby further optimizing remoteoperation of the garment 12.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the microphones 16 may record sounds from thepatient's body and communicate those sounds to a computing device 50.While the sounds may be recorded and transmitted directly to thecomputing device 50 free of manipulation, one or more processes may takeplace to adjust the sounds recorded prior to a final output of data onthe computing device 50 for a medical professional to evaluate. One suchprocess is shown in FIG. 3 .

As illustrated, the microphones 16 along the garment 12 may firstcollect data (e.g., sound) from a patient. The microphones 16 may besite specific such that each data point collected is associated with aspecific microphone location, thereby allowing a medical professional toeven further pinpoint a targeted medical condition. For example, eachmicrophone 16 may record a site-specific signal so that the plurality ofsignals recorded by the microphones 16 may be combined to create a soundpulmogram, a sound cardiogram, or both. Once the data is recorded fromthe microphones 16, the data may then pass through a filtration process.The filtration process may filter out any “white noise” or otherextraneous portions of the data recorded by the microphones 16. Thefiltered data may then pass through an amplification process (if needed)to amplify the sounds recorded by the microphones 16 and place the datain a condition for evaluation. It should be noted that the filtrationand amplification of recorded data from the microphones 16 may becompleted on each data point from each target specific microphone 16, ormay only be completed on a portion of the data points from themicrophones 16. After amplification, the data from all of themicrophones 16 may be compiled (i.e., summed) in preparation ofinterpretation. Some or all of the interpretation may be completed byprogramming on the computing device 50. However, a final output of dataon the computing device 50 may still require interpretation or furtherevaluation from one or more medical professionals.

As may be gleaned from the process above, the garment 12 may compile thedata in a beneficial manner such that a medical professional receives afinal test result or report for evaluation. For example, the microphones16 may be provide sufficient data to create a full sound pulmogram, asound cardiogram, or both. In doing so, the medical professional mayalso be able to remotely obtain certain patient vitals and create acomplete cardiogram of the patient using the medical device system 10.Thus, the medical device system 10 may provide test results sufficientfor a medical professional to: evaluate heart sounds of the patient;detect the presence of an issue, including location, strength, type,quality, or a combination thereof of the murmur; a rhythm or thepatient's heart; the patient's heart muscle function; or a combinationthereof.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the glove 14 of the medical device system 10 may beused in lieu of the garment 12 described in FIGS. 2 and 3 . The glove 14may also include one or more microphones 16 surrounded by a rubber ear34 to detect sounds from a patient's body. Additionally, the glove 14may include a pulse oximeter 22 to determine the patient's oxygensaturation levels. The pulse oximeter 22 may be integrally formed, orconnected to, one or more finger holes of the glove 14. To even furthercheck vitals of the patient, the glove 14 may include an integratedblood pressure cuff 26 to check a blood pressure of the patient at awrist and/or an elbow of the patient. It is envisioned that the glove 14may include a sleeve such that the blood pressure cuff 26 may be locatedalong the sleeve to more accurately measure blood pressure of a patientnear their elbow.

Furthermore, the glove 14 may include a plurality of electrocardiogramleads 24. It is envisioned that the electrocardiogram leads 24 may bepositioned along a patient's body in one or more desired positions torecords data and create a 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG). However, itshould be noted that the glove 14 may utilized to record a plurality ofdata points and create an EKG having greater than 12 leads. For example,a 24-lead EKG recording may be possible by utilizing electrocardiogramleads 24 of the glove 14 for multiple recordings in different locations.

The glove 14 may include, for example, six precordial EKG leads 24A, anaVF EKG lead 24B, and a pair of aVL/aVR EKG leads 24C, that arepositioned along the patient in various locations to complete the full12-lead EKG. These positions are further illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5Dbelow. The data recorded by the glove 14 may then be transmitted by atransmitter 30 of the glove 14 to an external computing device (see FIG.1 ). Similarly, the glove 14 may also include a receiver 28 to receiveany commands and/or data from an external computing device to configurethe glove 14, being testing utilizing the glove 14, or both.

A first position of the glove 14 along a patient 100 is shown in FIG.5A. As shown, the glove 14 is held in a substantially horizontalposition and pressed against the chest of the patient 100. In thisposition the precordial electrocardiogram leads 24, 24A are recorded. Itshould be noted that while the precordial EKG leads 24A are recorded inPosition A, any of the EKG leads 24 may be recorded in any desiredlocation. Additionally, the microphone 16 may also be utilized in any ofthe positions described herein to record data within the patient's 100hand, the patient's 100 chest, or both. Thus, it may be gleaned from thepresent teachings that in addition to the glove recording data via theelectrocardiogram leads 24, the microphone 16 of the glove 14 maybeneficially allow a patient to conduct proper auscultation of the heartand/or lungs by positioning the microphone 16 along the chest and/orback over the heart, the lungs, or both.

As shown in FIG. 5B, after recording the precordial EKG leads 24A, theglove 14 is once again positioned on the patient's 100 chest, but now ina substantially vertical position with the thumb and index fingerpointing toward the patient's 100 head. It is envisioned that the thumband index finger are opened as widely as possible to create asignificant distance (D) (e.g., greater than 100 degrees) between thethumb and index finger. As a result, the aVL and aVR EKG leads 24, 24Clocated on the thumb and index finger may be spaced apart and pressedagainst the skin of the patient 100 on their chest. Thus, the aVR andaVL EKG leads 24, 24C may be recorded.

However, as shown in FIG. 5C, a second position may be necessary forproperly recording the aVR and aVL EKG leads 24, 24C. For example, it isenvisioned that some patients may not have adequate spacing betweentheir thumb and index finger to provide a large enough distance (D)between their thumb and index finger. As a result, the recording of theaVR and aVL leads 24, 24C may not be accurate. To combat such aninaccuracy, a patient 100 may first record the aVL lead 24, 24C usingtheir index finger. Afterwards, the patient 100 may then move the glove14 and record a proper aVR lead 24, 24C using their thumb. As such, theglove 14 may separately record the aVL and aVR leads 24, 24C in anyorder and not require simultaneous recordings.

Lastly, as shown in FIG. 5D, after recording of the aVR and aVL EKGleads 24, 24C, the glove 14 may be positioned in a substantiallyvertical position with the middle finger of the glove 14 positioneddownward and pressed against the mid or lower abdomen of the patient100. As a result, the aVF EKG lead 24, 24B located on the middle fingerof the glove 14 may be pressed again the mid or lower abdomen of thepatient 100 to record the aVF EKG lead 24, 24B.

Thus, after completion of the recordings taken in FIGS. 5A-5C, a 12-leadEKG may be compiled. The recordings of the electrocardiogram leads 24may then be combined with the data recorded by the microphone 16, thepulse oximeter 22, and the blood pressure cuff 26 of the glove 14. Thisdata may then be transmitted from the glove 14 to a computing device fora medical professional to evaluate (see FIG. 1 ). It should be notedthat, like the data recorded using the garment 12 shown in FIG. 3 , thedata recorded by the glove 14 may be augmented or otherwise manipulatedto adjust and/or organize the data recorded. This may include one ormore steps or filtration, amplification, or both. Once the data isorganized, the external computing device may then generate and display areport for a medical professional to evaluate.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective of a club 38 in accordance with thepresent teachings. It is envisioned that the medical device systemdescribed herein may also include the club 38 in addition to thegarment, the glove, and/or the chair (see FIG. 1 ). The club 38 may beused in addition to the garment, the glove, the chair, or a combinationthereof within the medical device system to conduct an abdomenexamination. However, it should be noted that the club 38 may also beused for further examination of a patient other than an abdomen, such asthe heart, lungs, eyes, ears, throat, or a combination thereof. Thus,beneficially, the medical device system may be tailored to a specificpatient and may include any number of the devices described herein toevaluate a patient most effectively by providing a plurality of devicesto conduct a comprehensive physical examination of the patient.

The club 38 may include a handle 46 to allow for a patient to grasp theclub 38 during operation. The handle 46 may extend from a proximal endof the club 38 such that one or more accessories along the club 38 arepositioned near an opposing distal end. The club 38 may include amicrophone 16 (e.g., a digital stethoscope) to allow a patient to detectand/or record internal sounds from within their own body by positioningthe microphone 16 in a desired location. The club 38 may further includea position location sensor 42 disposed along an outer surface of theclub 38. The position location sensor 42 may pinpoint a location ofpotential discomfort for a patient. For example, the club 38 may includea rotary member 44 connected to one or more tapping mechanisms 48, shownas projecting arms. The rotary member 44, whether manually orelectronically, may drive a movement of the tapping mechanisms 48 suchthat the tapping mechanisms 48 tap or otherwise engage a patient's body.As shown, if electronically actuated, the rotary member 44 may be drivenby an integrated battery 32 of the club 38. The movement of the tappingmechanisms 48 may be utilized to safely apply pressure to a patient todetermine any localized pain along the patient's body. When a locationis “tapped” and the patient feels discomfort, the position locationsensor 42 may determine a location along the patient's body, therebymore accurately evaluating potential causes of the discomfort. Theposition location sensor 42 may also be used to establish initialparameters of testing by creating a baseline perimeter along the patientprior to conducting testing. It is envisioned that the 38 may be movedalong a patient's body, either by themselves or a third party, toevaluate any and all locations of discomfort in an effective manner.

It should be noted that the club 38 may include any number of tappingmechanisms 48, position location sensors 42, or microphones 16.Additionally, the rotary member 44 may be any actuating member thatdrives a motion of the arms 48 to “tap” the patient's body. Theactuating member may be an electronic actuator or an actuating mechanismthat requires manual operation.

While the club 38 may target areas of pain or discomfort of a patient,the club 38 may also be utilized to determine dullness (e.g., the soundresulting from a tapping on a solid organ or mass), rebound tenderness,tympanicity, organomegaly, other potential health concerns, or acombination thereof. For example, the tapping mechanisms 48 may deliverpercussion during the “tapping” operation, thereby sending a wavethrough a location on the patient's body (e.g., the abdomen). Thatpercussion may then be analyzed to interpret tympanicity, dullness, orboth. In other words, the club 38 may help a medical professionaldetermine if a part of the patient's body, such as their abdomen, head,chest, back, limbs, or a combination thereof, is soft or hard.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a chair 40 of the medical device system.The chair 40 may be a standard design, size, shape, or a combinationthereof. Illustrated in FIG. 7 , the chair 40 may be based upon aconventional armchair. The chair 40 may include a plurality of straps 52that contact a patient's body for collecting data. The straps 52 mayinclude electrocardiogram straps 52A that have a plurality ofelectrocardiogram leads 24. The electrocardiogram leads 24 may beconfigured to make direct contact with a patient's skin to conduct anaccurate EKG. The electrocardiogram leads 24 may be dispersed along asingle strap 52 or may be disposed on a plurality of straps 52. Forexample, as shown, upper straps 52A may include the aVL and aVRelectrocardiogram leads 24C to contact a patient's upper chest while theadditional electrocardiogram straps 52A may include the precordial 24Aand aVF 24B electrocardiogram leads. It is envisioned that theelectrocardiogram straps 52A may be secured across a patient's torso todirectly contact their skin. The electrocardiogram straps 52A mayinclude one or more buckles, clips, fasteners, or a combination thereofto tightly secure the electrocardiogram leads 52A around the patient.

Additionally, the chair 40 may also include microphone straps 52B thetightly secure around the patient by allowing the patient to extendtheir arms through armholes 54 within the microphone straps 52B. Oncethe microphone straps 52B are secured using a buckle, clip, fastener, ora combination thereof, a plurality of microphones 16 may be disposedalong the patient's chest to detect and/or record internal sounds.

The microphone straps 52B may be secured to the patient while theelectrocardiogram straps 52A are free of contact with the patient, orvice versa. However, beneficially, the microphone straps 52B and theelectrocardiogram straps 52A may both be secured to the patient to forma multi-layer detection system along the patient. Thus, the chair 40beneficially records and detects a gamut of data simultaneously while apatient remains seated in a single position 40.

To further facilitate diagnosis of a patient's potential medicalcondition, the chair 40 may also include a blood pressure cuff 26, apulse oximeter 22, or both. These devices 26, 22 may be positionedanywhere along the chair to allow for proper testing. For example, asshown, the blood pressure cuff 26 and the pulse oximeter 22 may both beconnected and/or integrated into an arm of the chair 40. Furthermore,the chair may also include one or more integrated microphones 16 (e.g.,digital stethoscopes) that detect and/or record sound from a patient'sback, thereby even further establishing a robust data recording systemwithin the chair 40. Additionally, as shown, the chair 40 may also helpfacilitate comfort for the patient and accurate testing data byincluding a reclining feature that allows the chair 40 to recline in adesired direction (R).

ELEMENT LIST

-   -   10 Medical Device System    -   12 Garment    -   12A Front of the Garment    -   12B Back of the Garment    -   12C Side of the Garment    -   14 Glove    -   16 Microphone    -   22 Pulse Oximeter    -   24 Electrocardiogram Lead    -   24A Precordial Electrocardiogram Lead    -   24B aVF Electrocardiogram Lead    -   24C aVL and aVR Electrocardiogram Lead    -   26 Blood Pressure Cuff    -   28 Receiver    -   30 Transmitter    -   32 Battery    -   34 Rubber Ear    -   36 Air Compartment    -   38 Club    -   40 Chair    -   42 Location Position Sensor    -   44 Rotary Member    -   46 Handle    -   48 Tapping Mechanism    -   50 Computing Device    -   52 Strap    -   52A Electrocardiogram Strap    -   52B Microphone Strap    -   54 Armhole    -   100 Patient    -   R Recline Direction of the Chair

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles,and its practical application. The above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use.

Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as setforth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings.The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not withreference to this description, but should instead be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated elementor step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided intoseparate plural elements or steps.

The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element or step is notintended to foreclose additional elements or steps.

While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish oneelement, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer,or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical termswhen used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer, or section without departing from theteachings.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

Unless otherwise stated, a teaching with the term “about” or“approximately” in combination with a numerical amount encompasses ateaching of the recited amount, as well as approximations of thatrecited amount. By way of example, a teaching of “about 100” encompassesa teaching of 100+/−15.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned fromthe following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by referenceinto this written description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A glove comprising: a set of electrocardiogramleads configured to record a 12-lead electrocardiogram by pressing theglove against skin of a user, the set of electrocardiogram leadsincluding: (a) a plurality of precordial electrocardiogram leadspositioned along a peripheral edge of the glove and extendingcontinuously with substantially equal spacing between a wrist portion ofthe glove and a pinkie of the glove, wherein two of the precordialelectrocardiogram leads are positioned on the pinkie of the glove, andan additional two or more of the precordial electrocardiogram leads arepositioned on the peripheral edge of the glove and spaced apart from thepinkie; (b) a pair of aVL and aVR electrocardiogram leads; and (c) anaVF electrocardiogram lead; and a digital microphone surrounded by arubber ear and spaced apart from the set of electrocardiogram leads;wherein the glove is configured to wirelessly transmit, via atransmitter of the glove, recording data from the set ofelectrocardiogram leads and the digital microphone to an externalcomputing device.
 2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofprecordial electrocardiogram leads are disposed on a palm side of theglove along the peripheral edge of the glove, wherein the peripheraledge of the glove extends along an outermost edge of the pinkie of theglove, and wherein the plurality of precordial electrocardiogram leadsextend continuously with substantially equal spacing along the outermostedge between the pinkie and an opening of the glove located at the wristportion of the glove.
 3. The glove of claim 1, wherein one of the pairof aVL and aVR electrocardiogram leads is positioned on a fingertips ofa thumb of the glove and an another of the pair of aVL and aVRelectrocardiogram leads is positioned on an index finger of the glove,and wherein the thumb and the index finger of the glove are free of anyother electrocardiogram leads of the set of electrocardiogram leads. 4.The glove of claim 3, wherein the aVF electrocardiogram lead ispositioned on a fingertip of a ring finger of the glove.
 5. The glove ofclaim 1, wherein the glove records the 12-lead electrocardiogram byrecording data from the set of electrocardiogram leads in 3 distinctpositions of the glove configured to be in contact with the skin of theuser.
 6. The glove of claim 5, wherein the plurality of precordialelectrocardiogram leads record data in a first position of the glove,whereby the glove is configured to be disposed horizontally along achest of the user and orthogonal to a height of the user with theplurality of precordial electrocardiogram leads configured to be incontact with the chest of the user.
 7. The glove of claim 6, wherein thepair of aVL and aVR electrocardiogram leads are positioned on fingertipsof a thumb and an index finger of the glove; and wherein the pair of aVLand aVR electrocardiogram leads record data in a second position of theglove, whereby the glove is configured to be disposed vertically alongthe chest of the user and parallel to the height of the user with thefingertips of the thumb and the index finger spaced apart and configuredto be in contact with the chest of the user.
 8. The glove of claim 7,wherein the thumb and the index finger of the glove form an angle of atleast 100 degrees when in the second position.
 9. The glove of claim 7,wherein the aVF electrocardiogram lead is positioned on a fingertip of aring finger of the glove; and wherein the aVF electrocardiogram leadrecords data in a third position of the glove, whereby the glove isconfigured to be disposed vertically along an abdomen of the user andparallel to the height of the user with the fingertip of the ring fingerconfigured to be in contact with the abdomen of the user.
 10. The gloveof claim 1, further comprising a sleeve, wherein a blood pressure cuffis located along the sleeve and is configured to measure a bloodpressure of the user near an elbow of the user.
 11. The glove of claim10, further comprising a pulse oximeter integrally formed, or connectedto, a middle finger of the glove, wherein the middle finger of the gloveis free of any electrocardiogram leads of the set of electrocardiogramleads.
 12. The glove of claim 1, wherein the digital microphone ispositioned centrally along the glove.
 13. The glove of claim 1, whereinthe glove includes a wireless receive data or commands from the externalcomputing device.
 14. The glove of claim 13, wherein data recorded bythe glove is processed through a filtration step, an amplification step,or both before being displayed on the external computing device forevaluation.
 15. The glove of claim 13, where the data recorded by theglove and transmitted to the external computing device is displayed in areport.
 16. The glove of claim 1, wherein the glove is configured to beworn by the user to record their own 12-lead electrocardiogram.
 17. Amedical device system, including: (a) the glove of claim 1; (b) awearable garment having a plurality of microphones; (c) a club havingone or more tapping mechanisms that create a percussion through apatient; and (d) a chair having one or more sensors; wherein data isrecorded by the glove, the garment, the chair, or a combination thereofand wirelessly transmitted to a computing device for offsite evaluation.18. The medical device system of claim 17, wherein the plurality ofmicrophones of the garment record sounds to compile a sound pulmogram, asound cardiogram, or both.
 19. The medical device system of claim 18,wherein the plurality of microphones are site specific such that eachsound record is associated with a specific microphone location.
 20. Themedical device system of any of claim 19, wherein the chair includes oneor more pressure sensors, one or more air compartments, one or moremicrophones, or a combination thereof.